President Russell M. Nelson | Summary and Study Guide of “Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys”

In his address “Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys,” President Russell M. Nelson reflects on the historical and spiritual significance of priesthood keys in the context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Celebrating 40 years since his and President Dallin H. Oaks’ appointment to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Nelson discusses the key events at the Kirtland Temple, where significant divine visitations occurred, including those from Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah. These events marked the restoration of crucial priesthood keys necessary for church governance and the facilitation of ordinances that bind families eternally and connect members to divine power.

President Nelson underscores the transformative power of temple worship and announces the construction of 15 new temples, highlighting the church’s commitment to making temple blessings more accessible. Nelson concludes by affirming the unique role of the church in offering eternal blessings through restored priesthood keys, urging members to engage deeply with temple worship for spiritual strength and guidance.

Here are 10 things to remember about his April 2024 talk:

1. Historic Anniversary: President Russell M. Nelson and President Dallin H. Oaks celebrated 40 years since being sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, reflecting on the spiritual blessings of each general conference attended since.
2. Temple Significance: Nelson recalled the history of early LDS temples, noting the acquisition of the Kirtland Temple and other historic sites, which underscores the temples’ significance in the restoration of the gospel.
3. Divine Appearances in Kirtland: On Easter Sunday, 1836, significant divine appearances occurred at the Kirtland Temple, including visitations from Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah, marking crucial moments in church history.
4. Restoration of Priesthood Keys: These visitations involved the restoration of important priesthood keys, including those for gathering Israel, the gospel of Abraham, and sealing powers, which are central to church governance and spiritual practices.
5. Impact of Priesthood Keys: Nelson emphasized the critical role of priesthood keys in church operations, enabling the performance of ordinances and covenants that link families eternally and connect members to divine power.
6. Current Temples and Promises: Reflecting on the promise of divine manifestations in temples, Nelson invited members to ponder the personal significance of temples and the promises associated with them.
7. Spiritual Privileges and Temple Worship: The dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple is highlighted as a source of spiritual strength, offering promises of personal revelation, increased faith, and divine protection through regular temple worship.
8. Temple as a Source of Power: Regular temple attendance is portrayed as essential for spiritual strength and protection, providing a connection to God, and enhancing one’s understanding of divine plans and eternal life.
9. New Temples Announced: Nelson announced plans to build 15 new temples in various global locations, emphasizing the ongoing effort to make temple blessings more accessible to church members worldwide.
10. Closing Testimony: Nelson testified of the truth of the restoration of the priesthood keys and their central role in accessing the highest spiritual blessings available through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

10 key open-ended questions from this address:

1. What do you think are the most significant impacts of the restoration of priesthood keys as described by President Nelson?
2. How do the historical events at the Kirtland Temple, particularly the divine visitations, deepen your understanding of the Church’s teachings?
3. In what ways do you think temple worship influences the daily lives of church members, based on President Nelson’s discourse?
4. How can the promises made during the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer be applied to modern-day challenges faced by church members?
5. What are your thoughts on the expansion of temples worldwide, as announced by President Nelson? How might this affect the global church community?
6. President Nelson emphasizes the importance of priesthood keys in accessing spiritual blessings. How do you interpret this in relation to your personal spiritual practices?
7. Reflecting on the restoration of priesthood keys, how do you see your role within the church and its broader mission?
8. Considering the significant anniversaries and historical events discussed, how do you perceive the evolution of the Church over the years?
9. What do you believe is the significance of having priesthood keys restored on earth, particularly in relation to temple ordinances?
10. How might the teachings from the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer enhance your understanding of the temple as “a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God”?

10 key quotes from this address:

1. “Priesthood keys govern how the priesthood of God may be used to bring about the Lord’s purposes and bless all who accept the restored gospel.”
2. “The most important of these events occurred on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836… Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery experienced a series of remarkable visitations.”
3. “Jesus Christ then declared that He had accepted the temple as His house and made this stunning promise: ‘I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.'”
4. “Elijah conferred the keys of the sealing power upon Joseph Smith… The significance of these keys being returned to the earth by three heavenly messengers under the direction of the Lord cannot be overstated.”
5. “Consider how your life would be different if priesthood keys had not been restored to the earth.”
6. “Nothing will help you more to hold fast to the iron rod than worshipping in the temple as regularly as your circumstances permit.”
7. “The temple is the gateway to the greatest blessings God has in store for each of us, for the temple is the only place on earth where we may receive all of the blessings promised to Abraham.”